Lyon approach former star Juninho over coaching role

15 May 2014 09:31

Former Lyon star Juninho has been approached by the club with an eye to becoming their new coach, he told French radio.

Lyon are looking for a replacement for Remi Garde, who revealed this week he was stepping down after three years in charge, and Juninho, 39, told RMC he had spoken to club president Jean-Michel Aulas.

"Mr. Aulas said 'You are one of three or four names we are thinking about. We will come back in a week or 10 days to discuss again'", Juninho said.

A source close to the club suggested Lyon might bring in another former player, Reims coach Hubert Fournier, to work alongside Juninho, who lacks the necessary qualifications to be head coach in his own right.

"I was not expecting that call from the president. I have never hidden the fact that I want to continue in football as a coach. I think I could do it. I need time to think. We will talk again next week," the former Brazilian international said.

Juninho, who played for Lyon between 2001 and 2009, retired earlier this year, ending his career at Rio de Janeiro side Vasco da Gama